Spalding Ladies’ 1st 5
Pelicans 0
A commanding performance earned Spalding a convincing win in their rearranged Women’s East League Division Two North West fixture.
Spalding faced a half-pitch press from their King’s Lynn visitors but, instead of being stifled, they used it to their advantage. Precise passing and excellent composure allowed Georgina Maplethorpe, Evie Maltby and Steph Wilson to work the ball round the back.
Their patience paid off when they broke through early on and drew a green card for a Pelicans player.
The opening goal was a testament to Spalding’s teamwork and fluid movement. From the backline, the ball transitioned seamlessly through the midfield trio of Jess Ball, Karen Timby, and Roz Dennis and their link-up play found Laura Graves in the D to coolly slip the ball past the goalkeeper.
After an encouraging half-time team talk from coach Jacob Baker and manager Zoe Moore, Spalding were prepared for Pelicans to adjust their tactics. As expected, Pelicans pressed higher but Spalding remained unfazed and a pinpoint pass from Maltby found Graves at the top of the D and she struck the ball cleanly into the back of the net.
The third goal came 10 minutes later when Honor Moore showcased her skill and determination, driving past Pelicans’ defence before slotting the ball past the goalkeeper.
Relentless attacking play led to another well-crafted goal when Georgina Maplethorpe delivered a precise pass for player of the match Graves to complete her hat-trick with a superb reverse hit.
Barely a minute later, Charlotte Maplethorpe replicated the same move, feeding the ball to Moore, who outmanoeuvred the Pelicans’ defender and calmly finished to seal the emphatic victory.
Spalding Ladies’ 2nd 0
Cambridge Nomads 2
In the same division, a promising performance from the second team gave them something to build on but with no reward this time.
The first half was a display of gritty defensive battling, with Spalding holding strong in the D, repelling numerous attacks. However, one ball managed to slip through at the back post to put Nomads ahead.
Spalding continued to show great passing play and created some promising opportunities.
Nomads remained quick on the counter and extended their lead.
Spalding’s midfield showed excellent link-up play after the break and the defensive unit remained solid keeping out the visitors.
Player of the match was Tabby Green for her tireless efforts in midfield.
Bourne Deeping 2nd 1
Spalding Ladies’ 3rd 2
Snow greeted Spalding for their Division Four North West trip to their neighbours.
Spalding started strongly, quickly taking control of the game with effective distribution and solid positioning, while Bourne struggled to break through the defensive line.
A lucky break saw a Bourne player slip past the defence to win a short corner and score from a deflection off a Spalding foot.
Wingers Jess Bail-Bedford and Jessica Pilgrim worked hard to penetrate the opposition defence but, despite earning several short corners, they were unable to convert them into goals.
However, their persistence paid off when a well-placed pass across the goalmouth found Khloe Brewster, who calmly slotted the ball into the net to level the score.
Goalkeeper Eliza Morris made some crucial saves and the first half ended all square.
Inspired by a motivational half-time talk from manager Sally Pilgrim, Spalding returned to the field with renewed determination and the winner came when Terri Robinson’s quick thinking resulted in a swift pass to Emily Wright, who passed to Sam Foston and she set up Brewster for her second goal of the game.
Pictures of Spalding Ladies 1st XI by Nigel Cookson.
